Use of the word utilize. (Are you using it correctly?)

2015-06-01T13:31:22-04:00

Don’t assume that you know the answer.
This was just brought to my attention today, or I should say that it was brought back to my attention, because I have not thought of it in many years.
In the Army, and I would guess that it is true in other branches also, the word utilize is used frequently when the word use would be the correct word. So, I would like to give some background on the two words in an attempt to help people discern the subtle differences and use the correct word.
What Does "Use" Mean? According to Merriam-Webster, it is “the art or practice of employing something.”
For example:
• I use my car instead of taking the bus.
• May I use your computer?
• I wish he would use his time more wisely.
Notice that in none of these cases would it be correct to replace use with utilize.
Now, the same dictionary defines utilize as, “to make use of; turn to practical use or account.”
This is different from use in this critical way; to utilize something is to give it a use it may not have originally had.
For example:
• Yes, you can utilize the conference room for your holiday party.
• We utilize Excel for our database instead of Access.
• Our company utilizes many common tools to come up with new innovations.
Words matter. Use them wisely.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 1 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-06-01T13:32:29-04:00

The english language has so many such quirks.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 1 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-06-01T13:32:52-04:00

It would behoove you to utilize your common knowledge to accomplish the task.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-06-01T13:39:09-04:00

I did not know that. Thanks for sharing, SPC Donald Moore.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 1 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-06-01T13:39:16-04:00

You need to utilize the map, but first you gotta orientate it to the terrain and then it would behoove you to ensure you have a good pacecount prior to moving out!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-06-01T13:46:33-04:00

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Jun 1 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-06-01T13:51:38-04:00

Define: Synonym - a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example shut is a synonym of close.

Define: Utilize - make practical and effective use of. Synonyms: USE, employ, ...

Define: Practical - of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.

"It is practical to utilize your car to go to the store" is just as grammatically valid as “If a diet contains too much phosphorus, calcium is not utilized efficiently” (which is a sentence that contradicts your theory, but is used as an example of the proper use of the word utilize in many texts, such as the American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style.

Since the context of the sentence does not change, the point is not confused, and the purpose is easily understood. This complaint is a matter of personal preference, and not grammatical rule.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Jun 1 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-06-01T14:10:22-04:00

Same can be said for "irregardless" it should be regardless.

Response by 1LT Jonathan Cowan made Jun 1 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-06-01T15:02:44-04:00

So can a Soldier still Utilize the Latrine or use the latrine...or both...

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 2 at 2015 2:52 AM

2015-06-02T02:52:31-04:00

You're in my lane guy. I'm all about semantics.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2017 5:06 PM

2017-01-17T17:06:20-05:00

Huh now this is awesome and important.